Midnight Train
Doc Watson and Taj Mahal Lyrics

Doc Watson and Taj Mahal's "Midnight Train" is a powerful, bluesy lamentation of heartbreak and betrayal. In the first two lines of the song, Doc and Taj convey the message that no matter what the singer does, their lover is simply never pleased. Despite their many attempts to please their partner, nothing has ever seemed to be enough. The singer is at their wit's end and has finally made the decision to leave their partner (hence the line, "So now I'm leaving you now goodbye"). The feelings of pain and sadness that are central to the song are echoed in the repetition of the line, "Riding on that midnight train/ Lord my head's a-hanging low/ These awful blues will follow me/ Wherever I may go".

As the song progresses, we learn that the singer had fallen in love with a woman who is in love with another man. Even though the singer knows that their lover is in love with someone else, they still can't help but feel heartbroken over the situation, which is expressed in lines like "Why on earth was I ever born/ I'll never understand". The song reflects a type of heartbreak that is both intense and universal, as it centers on the idea of unrequited love and the pain that comes with it.

Overall, "Midnight Train" is a song that captures a deep sense of sadness and loss. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, and the melody reflects the raw emotions that the characters are experiencing. The song is a testament to the enduring power of the blues, as it continues to resonate with audiences today.